Beautiful Word: Your Daily Devotion

Daily Scriptural Insights, Curated by the Editors of CT | [View online] [ChristianityToday.org] [Donate] [Beautiful Word Newsletter] Wednesday, December 28, 2016 New Norms [Joni Eareckson Tada] [Joni Eareckson Tada] | [Writer][Bio] [@JoniandFriends][@JoniandFriends] [Facebook][Facebook] Today’s Verse Powered by the [New Living Translation] “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12–14 [View in context] When Danielle’s car hit a patch of black ice, it skidded into a ditch and flipped upside down. Though her hand had been crushed in the impact, she was able to console her two little girls and call for help. It was clear, however, that she would lose her hand. She later wrote, “We have a new norm here, and it unfolds daily.” We all face “new norms” after tragedy hits. It could be the loss of a job, a lingering illness, an unwanted divorce, or the death of a loved one. Yes, life moves on, but no, it’s not the same. In today’s Scripture, Paul writes, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on . . . to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Moving forward in Christ and pursuing his will for each new day are new norms we can all embrace. Reflect: Read Philippians 3:12–14. When has it been difficult for you to “press on” in faith? How has God helped you through those seasons? Pray: Speak these words to God in prayer: “Lord, I am so very thankful for the focus you bring to my life. In the words of T. S. Eliot, you are “the still point of the turning world.” No matter how many changes sweep across my world, I can fix my eyes on you, pursue you, and find all the purpose for living I need”. Joni Eareckson Tada is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and the founder and CEO of [Joni and Friends International Disability Center]. Taken from [A Spectacle of Glory] by Joni Eareckson Tada. Copyright © 2016 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com. All rights reserved. [Read devotions online] | [Share with a friend] More for Women [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] I celebrate the season by reading stories to my kids. Here are our favorites. Corrie Cutrer [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] The underage narrators get the story right. Almost. Kate Shellnutt Follow Us [Facebook] [Twitter] [RSS] [Subscribe to this newsletter] In the Current Issue [December] [Is Addiction a Disease? Yes, and Much More] [Subscriber access only] [The Most Uncomfortable Christmas Verse] [Subscriber access only] [Crossing the Wasteland of Faith] [Subscriber access only] [View Full Issue] [Subscribe Now] Christian Bible Studies [A Life of Giving Thanks] [Catch a glimpse of a life permeated by a grateful heart that overflows toward others.] [4 Session Bible Study] [Beautiful Word] Delivered via email to subscribers daily. [Subscribe] | [Email Preferences] | [Unsubscribe] | [Privacy Policy] | [Advertise] | [Subscribe to CT] You are currently subscribed as: {EMAIL} Copyright ©2016 [ChristianityToday.org], Christianity Today, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.